It was a lunchtime job fair. Some talked of wanting to stay, but not really knowing who would be their future employer. A few lobbied for friends to remain employed. There was even some vacation planning.
The Washington Redskins locker room on Wednesday wasn’t much different from many companies winding down during the holidays. The final week of a very disappointing season has everyone a little relieved, a little on edge.
They know this group won’t return intact. Why should it? And why would anyone want it back given a 5-10 mark heading into Saturday’s finale against the New York Giants?
This isn’t a team picture — it’s a wanted poster. Make that a not-wanted poster.
The Redskins can’t return this 30th-ranked defense that has a real shot at No. 31 or even 32. Who do you want back? Sean Taylor can’t tackle anymore. Three starting linemen are looking old. The linebackers are just ordinary, which still makes them better than the secondary.
Brother, can you spare a playmaker?
The offseason will be filled with free-agent signings. A few players may go — Mark Brunell, Derrick Dockery, Shawn Springs, Jon Jansen — you never know what’s going to happen.
Then there’s the draft. Oh, what magic will the Redskins spin with no second, third and fourth-round picks? If you’re waiting for a general manager to be hired, bring a sandwich.
This team will go through its usual turbulent offseason and players know it. That’s why few showed any concern Wednesday about the final game. There was token talk of wanting to go out with a win. Of trying to create momentum for next year. Sure, and we’re all eating Christmas cookies for a few more days before starting our 2007 diets.
Whatever happens Saturday means nothing. Less than nothing, which is why FedEx Field’s upper deck might be empty.
There was gratuitous talk of playing for pride. Please, is anyone proud of this season? It has stunk since the preseason whippings.
Mostly, there was a lot of talk about offseason workouts. How Joe Gibbs feels being at Redskins Park is so important given last year’s 98-percent participation rate. Well, how important are those workouts given the team is 5-10 after such high participation? Maybe more downtime away from the team would help because it sure couldn’t hurt.
Players are looking forward to vacation. So are fans. It’s time to take a break from this mess.
Rick Snider has covered local sports for 28 years. Contact him at [email protected].
